Segmental beam connection node structure

Abstract

A segmental beam connecting node structure is used for being connected with a corrugated pipe with threads integrally formed on the inner wall, the connecting node structure comprises a connecting pipe extending in the first direction, one end of the connecting pipe is provided with a first part, the other end of the connecting pipe is provided with a second part, and the connecting node structure further comprises a plane ring fixedly connected to the second part. The sealing surrounding wall is fixedly connected to the plane ring and located on the side, away from the second part, of the plane ring; wherein a sealing groove is formed among the second part, the plane ring and the sealing surrounding wall, a plurality of sub-grooves are integrally formed in the side, close to the second part, the plane ring and the sealing surrounding wall, of the sealing groove, threads are integrally formed on the outer side of the first part, and the first part is fixedly connected to the corrugated pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of bridge engineering, and in particular to a segmental beam connection node structure. Background Technology

[0002] Segmental beam assembly technology is widely used in large-span bridge projects such as urban viaducts and cross-sea bridges. Its core principle is to divide the bridge into several precast segments, which are then tensioned using prestressed steel strands to compress them into a whole. Corrugated pipes are pre-embedded inside the segmental beams, with steel strands threaded inside. After the segments are assembled, high-pressure grout is injected into the corrugated pipes, forming a permanent anchorage after the grout solidifies. Connectors, as key components between segmental beams, must ensure continuous connection of the corrugated pipes and maintain a tight seal during tensioning and grouting to prevent grout and air leakage, which could affect structural durability.

[0003] Currently, during the splicing of segmental beams, when high-pressure slurry is injected into the corrugated pipe, the sealing ring is subjected to unidirectional fluid pressure. If the sealing grooves of the two connectors are not aligned or the sealing ring is installed incorrectly, the sealing ring may deform locally or even be squeezed out of the groove, causing slurry leakage and affecting the anchoring quality. During the bridge operation phase, vehicle loads or wind vibrations may cause slight misalignment of the segmental beams, leading to wear or detachment of the sealing rings under repeated shear forces, resulting in decreased sealing performance after long-term use. In addition, during bridge construction or operation, mechanical vibration or temperature changes in the segmental beams may cause the clamps fixing the corrugated pipe and connectors to loosen, leading to corrugated pipe detachment or slurry leakage. Furthermore, when the prestressed steel strands are tensioned, the corrugated pipe is subjected to axial tensile force. If the connector tail is only fixed by clamps, stress concentration can easily cause deformation or slippage of the connection section, affecting the overall structural safety.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a segmental beam connection node structure that can maintain sealing stability under high-pressure grouting and dynamic loads, and improve the pull-out resistance of the bellows connection. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a segmental beam connection node structure that can maintain sealing stability under high-pressure grouting and dynamic loads, and improve the pull-out resistance of the bellows connection.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a segmental beam connection node structure is provided for connecting a corrugated pipe with an integrally formed threaded inner wall. The connection node structure includes a connecting pipe extending along a first direction, one end of the connecting pipe having a first part and the other end having a second part, and further includes a planar ring fixedly connected to the second part, and a sealing wall fixedly connected to the planar ring and located on the side of the planar ring opposite to the second part.

[0007] A sealing groove is formed between the second part, the planar ring, and the sealing wall, and a plurality of sub-grooves are integrally formed on the side of the sealing groove near the second part, the planar ring, and the sealing wall. A thread is integrally formed on the outer side of the first part, and the first part is fixedly connected to the bellows.

[0008] More preferably, a first flange is integrally formed on the side of the sealing wall opposite to the sealing groove, and a second flange is integrally formed on the side of the second portion opposite to the sealing groove.

[0009] More preferably, the connection node structure further includes:

[0010] A sealing ring abuts against the sealing groove and the sub-groove.

[0011] More preferably, the connection node structure further includes:

[0012] The outer tube is fixedly connected to the planar ring and is located on the side of the planar ring away from the sealing wall and on the side of the planar ring away from the connecting tube.

[0013] More preferably, the connection node structure further includes:

[0014] A stiffening plate is fixedly connected between the connecting pipe and the outer pipe;

[0015] When the first part is fixedly connected to the corrugated pipe, the corrugated pipe abuts against the reinforcing plate.

[0016] More preferably, the pipe diameter on the side of the sealing wall where the first flange is provided is larger than the pipe diameter on the side of the sealing wall that is fixedly connected to the planar ring.

[0017] More preferably, a first buckle is integrally formed on one side of the sealing wall where the sealing groove is formed, and a second buckle is integrally formed on one side of the second portion where the sealing groove is formed.

[0018] More preferably, when the sealing ring abuts against the sealing groove, the first buckle and the second buckle abut against the sealing groove respectively, and limit the sealing groove in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] More preferably, the connecting pipe is made of a combination of one or more of low-alloy high-strength steel, weathering steel, and ductile iron.

[0020] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] A sealing groove is formed between the second part, the planar ring, and the sealing wall. Several sub-grooves are integrally formed on the side of the sealing groove closest to the second part, the planar ring, and the sealing wall. This connection node structure further disperses the pressure during high-pressure grouting, improves sealing stability, increases sealing space, and further enhances redundant sealing capability. Furthermore, the design incorporates an integrally threaded outer side of the first part, which is fixedly connected to a bellows integrally threaded inner wall. This increases the fixed surface area with the bellows, enhances the connection node structure's pull-out resistance, and prevents loosening under long-term vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the connection node structure described in one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic planar structure diagram of the connection node structure described in one embodiment of this application when the sealing ring is assembled thereon;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the connection node structure of two segmental beams in one embodiment of this application when they are spliced ​​and fixed.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals: 100, connecting node structure; 10, tubular body; 11, first part; 12, second part; 12A, second flange; 12B, second snap-fit; 20, planar ring; 30, sealing wall; 31, first flange; 32, first snap-fit; 40, sealing groove; 41, sub-groove; 50, sealing ring; 60, outer tube; 70, stiffening plate; 200, corrugated pipe; F1, first direction. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 - Figure 3 One embodiment of this application provides a segmental beam connection node structure 100 for connecting a corrugated pipe 200 with an integrally formed threaded inner wall. The connection node structure 100 includes: a connecting pipe 10, a planar ring 20, and a sealing wall 30.

[0031] The connecting pipe 10 extends along a first direction F1, with a first portion 11 at one end and a second portion 12 at the other end. The planar ring 20 is fixedly connected to the second portion 12. The sealing wall 30 is fixedly connected to the planar ring 20 and is located on the side of the planar ring 20 opposite to the second portion 12. A sealing groove 40 is formed between the second portion 12, the planar ring 20, and the sealing wall 30, and the sealing groove 40 has a plurality of sub-grooves 41 integrally formed on the side of the sealing groove 40 near the second portion 12, the planar ring 20, and the sealing wall 30. The outer side of the first portion 11 is integrally formed with threads, and the first portion 11 is fixedly connected to the bellows 200.

[0032] The first part 11 is used to connect the bellows 200. An integral thread is formed on the outer side, directly engaging with the threaded inner wall of the bellows 200 to achieve a robust mechanical connection. This threaded engagement increases the connection surface area, making it more secure than simple clamp or plug-in connections. Furthermore, the thread can resist the axial stress generated during prestressed steel strand tensioning, preventing loosening or slippage due to vibration or temperature differences, thus improving overall connection reliability. The second part 12 forms a sealing groove 40 between the flat ring 20 and the sealing wall 30, and includes sub-grooves 41. These sub-grooves 41 provide space for installing the sealing ring 50 and enhance sealing performance. The multiple sub-grooves 41 design allows the sealing ring 50 to distribute pressure at multiple points when subjected to high-pressure grouting, preventing localized stress that could cause the sealing ring 50 to be squeezed out or fail. The multiple sub-grooves 41 design ensures that even if a single area is damaged or slightly deformed, other sub-grooves 41 can maintain basic sealing function, forming a redundant seal and extending service life. The planar ring 20 serves as the structural base of the connection node, bearing and transmitting various mechanical loads from the bellows 200 to the connection node. The sealing wall 30 encloses the outer side of the sealing groove 40, forming a completely sealed cavity to protect the sealing ring 50 from external contamination (such as mud and dust) and further improve the durability of the sealing system.

[0033] More preferably, the sealing wall 30 has a first flange 31 integrally formed on the side opposite to the sealing groove 40, and the second part 12 has a second flange 12A integrally formed on the side opposite to the sealing groove 40.

[0034] During high-pressure grouting or when the bridge is under load (such as vehicle traffic or wind vibration), the connection node is subjected to pressure and vibration from different directions. With the first flange 31 and the second flange 12A, a reinforced end structure is formed on both sides of the connection node. This structural design can resist axial tension or compression and reduce the risk of stress concentration near the sealing groove 40, preventing grout and air leakage due to excessive deformation in the sealing groove 40 area. After the bellows 200 is fixed to the connection node, the flange provides a mechanical stop. During prestressing, even if slight slippage occurs, the flange can prevent further slippage by locking or limiting, protecting the internal threaded connection from damage. Small misalignments and temperature expansion / contraction during construction and operation are also more easily absorbed by the flange buffer, without directly affecting the core connection. The flanges on both sides create a compression zone for the sealing system when installing the outer pipe 60 and tightening the outer shell. External fasteners or housings press against these two flanges, indirectly providing a stable and lasting clamping force to the sealing groove 40 area. This ensures that the sealing ring 50 is always under reasonable pressure, preventing leakage due to loosening or aging after prolonged use. The combination of the first flange 31 and the second flange 12A acts like two walls on either side of the weak sealing groove 40. When external impacts occur (grouting pressure, bridge deck load vibration), they do not strike the fragile seal directly, but are first absorbed and distributed by the first flange 31 and the second flange 12A, protecting the seal in the middle.

[0035] More preferably, the connection node structure 100 further includes a sealing ring 50. The sealing ring 50 abuts against the sealing groove 40 and the sub-groove 41.

[0036] If the sealing ring 50 is fixed only by a single ordinary sealing groove 40, it is prone to deformation, displacement, or even being ejected due to fluid pressure during high-pressure grouting. However, the inclusion of sub-grooves 41 allows the sealing ring 50 to not only rest against the bottom of the sealing groove 40 but also embed itself within the sub-grooves 41, effectively providing additional interlocking or support. This disperses the single-point force during grouting, with each sub-groove 41 providing localized positioning and stress distribution for the sealing ring 50, preventing deformation or dislodgement due to excessive localized stress and improving overall sealing reliability. During bridge operation, slight relative displacement may occur at the connection nodes, causing the sealing ring 50 to be subjected to shear forces over a long period. With the auxiliary fixing provided by the sub-grooves 41, the sealing ring 50 is not simply pressed onto a single plane but is held in place at multiple points, more effectively resisting shear slippage and preventing tearing or wear.

[0037] More preferably, the connection node structure 100 further includes an outer tube 60. The outer tube 60 is fixedly connected to the planar ring 20 and is located on the side of the planar ring 20 opposite to the sealing wall 30 and on the side of the planar ring 20 opposite to the connecting tube 10.

[0038] The planar ring 20 itself is a relatively thin structure, and under high-pressure grouting, prestressing tension, and long-term vibration, a single planar ring 20 is prone to local deformation. Adding an outer pipe 60 is equivalent to adding a thickened supporting outer wall, which acts like a frame to support and reinforce the planar ring 20. This effectively resists the outward expansion and torsional forces brought about by internal grouting pressure and steel strand tension, making the connection node more rigid and reliable. The outer pipe 60 is fitted outside the sealing wall 30 and located on the opposite side, essentially adding a protective cover. During construction, hoisting, transportation, and grouting, in case of accidental collisions or compression, the outer pipe 60 can absorb some of the impact or protect the internal sealing wall 30 and sealing ring 50 from direct damage. Especially during prestressing tension, where vibration and stress transmission are very intense, the outer pipe 60 acts as an additional protective barrier. The corrugated pipe 200 is usually inserted into the connecting pipe 10. If the connection node has slight eccentricity or twisting, it will make the installation of the corrugated pipe 200 difficult. The outer tube 60 is set so that the connection node forms a complete limiting outer wall, which can be used as an auxiliary positioning during construction to help construction workers to more accurately connect the corrugated pipe 200 and the connecting pipe 10, reduce errors, and improve installation efficiency.

[0039] More preferably, the connection node structure 100 further includes a stiffening plate 70. The stiffening plate 70 is fixedly connected between the connecting pipe 10 and the outer pipe 60. When the first part 11 is fixedly connected to the corrugated pipe 200, the corrugated pipe 200 abuts against the stiffening plate 70.

[0040] The corrugated pipe 200 and the connecting pipe 10 are connected by threads. However, during prestressing tensioning, bridge operation loads, and temperature changes, the corrugated pipe 200 will be subjected to significant axial tensile or thrust forces. If only the threads bear the tensile force, long-term action can easily lead to thread loosening and local thread damage. With the addition of the stiffening plate 70, the end of the corrugated pipe 200 can rest against the stiffening plate 70, allowing part of the axial tensile and thrust forces to be directly transferred to the stiffening plate 70 and the outer pipe 60, forming a multi-path force distribution and significantly improving the pull-out and compressive stability of the connection node. Relying solely on the connecting pipe 10 itself to bear the force, especially under high pressure during grouting and subsequent prestressing retraction, can easily lead to localized stress concentration in the connecting pipe 10. The stiffening plate 70, located between the connecting pipe 10 and the outer pipe 60, forms a triangular force component structure, dispersing the force within the connection node range and preventing fatigue failure or localized cracking caused by single-point stress. During the long-term operation of the bridge, traffic loads, wind loads, and temperature cycles can all induce micro-vibrations and torsional forces. The stiffening rib 70 acts as a diagonal brace / shear reinforcement, providing anti-torsion and vibration-resistant loosening between the connecting pipe 10 and the outer pipe 60. Especially during high-pressure grouting or when the corrugated pipe 200 is subjected to external impact, the stiffening rib 70 stabilizes the structure, preventing joint wobbling and loosening. When the corrugated pipe 200 is fixed, its end naturally abuts against the stiffening rib 70, serving as a physical limiting surface to prevent the corrugated pipe 200 from being installed too deep or too shallow, ensuring the threaded connection is in optimal condition. Simultaneously, the stiffening rib 70 acts as a support, preventing deformation of the connecting pipe 10 due to uneven construction forces during installation.

[0041] More preferably, the diameter of the side of the sealing wall 30 where the first flange 31 is located is larger than the diameter of the side of the sealing wall 30 that is fixedly connected to the planar ring 20.

[0042] The sealing groove 40 is formed by the sealing wall 30, the flat ring 20, and the connecting pipe 10, with the sealing ring 50 pressed inside. If the diameter of the sealing wall 30 near the first flange 31 increases, it is equivalent to forming a stepped structure above the sealing groove 40. Thus, when the sealing ring 50 is subjected to high-pressure grouting or dynamic loads, it is blocked by the larger diameter step, preventing the sealing ring 50 from being axially ejected from the sealing groove 40. If the wall diameter is uniform, when the sealing ring 50 is subjected to high-pressure slurry, all the pressure will be concentrated on one side of the sealing ring 50, easily leading to localized pressure deformation. By designing a wall structure that is smaller at the bottom and larger at the top, the pressure can be dispersed at the point of wall change, reducing the localized stress on the sealing ring 50 and improving durability. The smaller diameter connecting the flat ring 20 area results in a compact structure that is easy to fix. The larger diameter forms a "flared" effect on the outside, making it difficult for external forces to directly pry or pull the sealing ring 50 even when applied to the connection node.

[0043] More preferably, a first buckle 32 is integrally formed on one side of the sealing wall 30 where the sealing groove 40 is formed, and a second buckle 12B is integrally formed on one side of the second part 12 where the sealing groove 40 is formed.

[0044] The first clip 32 and the second clip 12B are located on the upper and lower sides of the sealing groove 40, respectively, effectively clamping the sealing ring 50 from both sides. When the grouting pressure is high or the bridge is under dynamic load, the sealing ring 50 is less likely to be pushed out or slipped from the sealing groove 40. This not only prevents grout leakage but also prevents localized pressure loss and sealing failure due to displacement of the sealing ring 50. During operation, the segmental beam experiences shear forces, subjecting the sealing ring 50 to repeated tension and push. With the first clip 32 and the second clip 12B, the sealing ring 50 is locked within the sealing groove 40, effectively resisting repeated shearing and reducing tearing and fatigue damage caused by shearing. During construction and installation, once the sealing ring 50 is placed in the sealing groove 40, the clips on both sides naturally form a position guide, preventing the sealing ring 50 from being misaligned or improperly installed. This is highly advantageous for construction at high altitudes or in complex conditions, preventing subsequent grouting failure due to inaccurate installation of the sealing ring 50.

[0045] More preferably, when the sealing ring 50 abuts against the sealing groove 40, the first buckle 32 and the second buckle 12B abut against the sealing groove 40 respectively, and limit the sealing groove 40 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction F1.

[0046] In this design, the first direction F1 is the extension direction of the connecting pipe 10, and the first latch 32 and the second latch 12B are located in its perpendicular direction. When high-pressure slurry is injected, it will generate a large axial thrust on the sealing ring 50. Without additional restraint, the sealing ring 50 may be pushed out along the first direction F1. The first latch 32 and the second latch 12B hold the sealing ring 50 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction F1, preventing the sealing ring 50 from moving or deforming along the axial direction of the pipe under high pressure. The first latch 32 and the second latch 12B not only hold the sealing ring 50, but also abut against both sides of the sealing groove 40, which is equivalent to reinforcing the sealing groove 40 itself. This prevents the sealing groove 40 from expanding and deforming due to the high pressure of the slurry, thereby maintaining a stable sealing shape and extending the service life of the sealing structure.

[0047] More preferably, the material of the connecting pipe 10 is a combination of one or more of low alloy high-strength steel, weathering steel and ductile iron.

[0048] Low-alloy high-strength steel is a material in which small amounts of alloying elements (such as chromium, molybdenum, and nickel) are added to steel to improve its strength and durability. It possesses high tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and good toughness and weldability. Compared to ordinary carbon steel, low-alloy high-strength steel has higher strength and hardness, while maintaining good ductility and plasticity. As a material for connecting pipe 10, low-alloy high-strength steel can provide high load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance, making it particularly suitable for structures such as bridges that bear high loads and vibrations. Its excellent mechanical properties enable connecting pipe 10 to maintain stable connection force under dynamic loads and long-term use, enhancing the safety of the overall structure. Weathering steel is a type of steel with good atmospheric corrosion resistance. It typically contains alloying elements such as copper, phosphorus, and nickel, exhibiting strong corrosion resistance in outdoor exposure environments. When exposed to the atmosphere, weathering steel can quickly form a protective oxide layer on its surface, preventing further corrosion. In the operating environment of bridges and connecting pipes 10, weathering steel effectively resists corrosion caused by rain, moisture, and other environmental factors. Especially under outdoor conditions, it extends the service life of the connecting pipe 10, reduces maintenance frequency, and maintains long-term structural stability. Ductile iron is a type of cast iron whose microstructure is altered by adding small amounts of alloying elements (such as magnesium), giving it spherical graphite. Ductile iron possesses excellent casting properties, high strength, good wear resistance, and good corrosion resistance. Compared to traditional cast iron, it has greater toughness and impact resistance. In the design of connecting pipes 10, ductile iron provides excellent wear resistance and impact resistance, making it suitable for complex connection environments, especially under high vibration and repeated stress conditions. Its excellent casting properties also simplify the manufacturing process of connecting pipes 10 and reduce costs.

[0049] Therefore, a sealing groove 40 is formed between the second part 12, the planar ring 20, and the sealing wall 30. Several sub-grooves 41 are integrally formed on the side of the sealing groove 40 closest to the second part 12, the planar ring 20, and the sealing wall 30. This connection node structure 100 further disperses the pressure during high-pressure grouting, improves sealing stability, increases sealing space, and further enhances redundant sealing capability. Furthermore, the design incorporates an integrally formed thread on the outer side of the first part 11, and the first part 11 is fixedly connected to a bellows 200 whose inner wall is integrally formed with threads. This increases the fixed surface area of ​​the connection node structure 100 with the bellows 200, increases the pull-out resistance of the connection node structure 100, and prevents the connection node structure 100 from loosening under long-term vibration.

[0050] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A segmental beam connection node structure for connecting an inner wall integrally formed with a corrugated pipe, characterized by, The connection node structure includes a connecting pipe extending along a first direction, one end of the connecting pipe having a first part and the other end having a second part, and also includes a planar ring fixedly connected to the second part, and a sealing wall fixedly connected to the planar ring and located on the side of the planar ring opposite to the second part. A sealing groove is formed between the second part, the planar ring, and the sealing wall, and a plurality of sub-grooves are integrally formed on the side of the sealing groove near the second part, the planar ring, and the sealing wall. A thread is integrally formed on the outer side of the first part, and the first part is fixedly connected to the bellows.

2. A segmental beam connection node structure according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing wall has a first flange integrally formed on the side opposite to the sealing groove, and the second part has a second flange integrally formed on the side opposite to the sealing groove.

3. A segmental beam connection node structure according to claim 2, wherein, The connection node structure also includes: A sealing ring abuts against the sealing groove and the sub-groove.

4. The segmental beam connection node structure of claim 1, wherein, The connection node structure also includes: The outer tube is fixedly connected to the planar ring and is located on the side of the planar ring away from the sealing wall and on the side of the planar ring away from the connecting tube.

5. A segmental beam connection node structure according to claim 4, wherein, The connection node structure also includes: A stiffening plate is fixedly connected between the connecting pipe and the outer pipe; When the first part is fixedly connected to the corrugated pipe, the corrugated pipe abuts against the reinforcing plate.

6. The segmental beam connection node structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the pipe on the side of the sealing wall with the first flange is larger than the diameter of the pipe on the side of the sealing wall that is fixedly connected to the planar ring.

7. The segmental beam connection node structure according to claim 3, wherein, A first buckle is integrally formed on one side of the sealed enclosure where the sealing groove is formed, and a second buckle is integrally formed on one side of the second part where the sealing groove is formed.

8. A segmental beam connection node structure according to claim 7, wherein, When the sealing ring abuts against the sealing groove, the first buckle and the second buckle abut against the sealing groove respectively, and limit the sealing groove in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The segmented beam joint structure of Claim 1, wherein, The connecting pipe is made of a combination of one or more of the following materials: low-alloy high-strength steel, weathering steel, and ductile iron.

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